Wild Sheep Chase - obvert (J) vs JocMeister (A)

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

The economy is chugging right along. The goal of 1 million in the HI reserve by the beginning of 43 will be met and slightly surpassed.

Nice job reaching one million HI by 1943. I've reached the middle of March/43 and have just surpassed that milestone. Your oil looks great, is it mostly in the Home Islands? I only have 64 days worth of reserve in Japan. At this stage, do you think it's better to ship both, or concentrate mostly on fuel? Do you think there is merit in expanding refining capacity in the SRA after conquest to run an oil deficit, so you can concentrate on shipping just fuel?

I'm glad it looks decent. I keep glancing at the oil and feeling unease. I'm even sneakily building some of the oilfields at Magwe again since he seems disinterested in bombing Burma currently.

About half of the oil is in the HI. Another 1/4 is on the way there. The rest is in places that are still refining in the SRA, China and Port Arthur.

I don't really know what the best thing to ship is at this point. I have been using ALL tankers and AOs to get as much oil to the HI as possible and then ship fuel with whatever is left over. My recent escapades in the South Pacific derailed a few sets of TKs to supplying that effort. I'm still catching up there. I realize that keeping the fleets in port much of the time has probably saved me a lot of fuel.

I like the idea of shipping both. I still have a huge storage of fuel at Singers. It's moving to Saigon as I pull from there, and I'm even starting to use Haiphong. I just still want to see how it will move overland now that I've removed most ships from Singers. Pulling from Saigon has worked well. Now I'll see if I can make it to Hong Kong.

After the torps start working better I may change my tune on a lot of decisions that seem easy now. The US subs dud at least 1-3 times a turn. That will be a lot of ships dying soon. I need more deep water capable escorts and ASW. The Kageros now in Yokohama upgrading will try out this role for a while after the turn of the year. I have less need of DDs for at least 4-5 months in the Solomons area now. I've lost only 10 DDs in over a year now, so I have quite a few available. I'll post my search arcs soon as well. I just found the search arc map in tracker and it really helps figure out where the holes are.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

I like the idea of shipping both. I still have a huge storage of fuel at Singers. It's moving to Saigon as I pull from there, and I'm even starting to use Haiphong. I just still want to see how it will move overland now that I've removed most ships from Singers. Pulling from Saigon has worked well. Now I'll see if I can make it to Hong Kong.

I was able to get a fair bit of fuel to Saigon recently, but after a day it migrated back to Bangkok. I'm going to divert some 8150 capacity tankers to Saigon and CRB to see if I can sustain the draw from Singapore. I like shipping both fuel and oil as well. I have enough tankers now to dedicate TF's exclusively for both without fear of favouring one over the other, although I do ship more fuel as expected.

I have to admit, I get warm and fuzzy everytime a large fuel/oil transport TF reaches Japan safely.

[Historiker]

You know, that for every hex supplys and fuel travel, they spoil a little? It isn#t much on good railroads, but it happens!
That's why I prefer to only suck out raw materials as they don't spoil!

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Historiker

You know, that for every hex supplys and fuel travel, they spoil a little? It isn#t much on good railroads, but it happens!
That's why I prefer to only suck out raw materials as they don't spoil!

I have heard this, but I guess I don't feel quite ready for that step of just bringing in raw materials. I just carry everything I possibly can back. I also like the refineries going in the SRA to generate supplies. I can feed some of the smaller bases directly from Palembang and Balikpapan, as well as keeping Java in good standing. All of the leftover oil that hasn't been refined will be taken off the top and shipped back if I can though.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon


I was able to get a fair bit of fuel to Saigon recently, but after a day it migrated back to Bangkok. I'm going to divert some 8150 capacity tankers to Saigon and CRB to see if I can sustain the draw from Singapore. I like shipping both fuel and oil as well. I have enough tankers now to dedicate TF's exclusively for both without fear of favouring one over the other, although I do ship more fuel as expected.

I have to admit, I get warm and fuzzy everytime a large fuel/oil transport TF reaches Japan safely.

I get warm and fuzzy every time a sub duds on my ships. Unfortunately that will be less frequent soon.

I just based a bunch of tankers there and then once I started to load them up, 50k fuel appeared immediately. Now I'll try basing a bunch of ships in Hong kong before taking more out to see if the port automatically draws more. I'm just wary as Shanghai and Hong Kong seemed to be drawing from Port Arthur previously.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]26-31 December 1942[/font]
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The first full year comes to a close. The beginning of 1943 is ominous for the Empire. Although there have been some major successes of late, Allied power is growing and there are rumors that new improved torpedoes will begin to be used by US submarines, reducing their inefficiencies. The fronts are mostly quiet, industry is expanding slowly, but raw materials and especially oil are still scarce.

There is still a great determination in the Empire to hold the lands acquired during the past year and to dig in and fortify these new territories. Engineers and new garrison forces are preparing in the Home Islands for extended duty all across the Pacific and East Asia.

subs: Allied ASW is undoubtedly beginning to take a toll. About 10 subs were sent back to Suva for repairs and on the 27th the I-35 was DCed and forced to surface, then sunk. The same day some sub chasers dished out a little payback on the Shad, which was listed sunk after taking 5 hits. I think it probably made it as there were no catastrophic messages during or after the attack.

On the 28th I-172 took 10 hits and was sunk as well. Patrols were moved back and again varied after this one.

On the 30th I-175 is taken out. Not a good week for our submariners.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 27, 42
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Sub attack near Tongatapu at 137,166

Japanese Ships
SS I-35, hits 19, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Arrow
DD Woodworth
DD Barton



SS I-35 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Arrow
DD Arrow fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Woodworth attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-35 forced to surface!
DD Woodworth firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Barton firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Arrow firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Woodworth firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Barton firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves


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ASW attack near Shanghai at 95,59

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-44
SC CHa-46

Allied Ships
SS Shad, hits 5



SS Shad is located by SC CHa-44
Shad bottoming out ....
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC CHa-46 attacking submerged sub ....
SC CHa-46 is out of ASW ammo
SC CHa-46 is out of ASW ammo
SC CHa-46 is out of ASW ammo
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 28, 42
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ASW attack near Moala at 133,163

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 10

Allied Ships
DD Barton
DD Arrow
DD Woodworth



SS I-172 is located by DD Barton
DD Arrow attacking submerged sub ....
DD Woodworth attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-172 eludes DD Woodworth by hugging bottom
Escort abandons search for sub

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 30, 42
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Sub attack near Yasawa Islands at 132,157

Japanese Ships
SS I-175, hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Woodworth
DD Farenholt
DD Arrow
DD Barton



SS I-175 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Woodworth
I-175 diving deep ....
DD Arrow fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Woodworth fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Arrow fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arrow attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-175 forced to surface!
DD Woodworth firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Barton firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Arrow firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Woodworth firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Barton firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves


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So Pac: The battles over Tanna went my way after several dogfights on the 26th. By the time the bombers arrived in the afternoon only one Wildcat came up and the port attack sank the ACM. I'm sure it won't be hard to install another, but it feels good anyway. The final talley was 27 Allied planes shot down for 12 zeros. Allied fighters were removed back to Suva on the 27th.

Also on this day Tanna goes to a size 3 field.

In an attempt to minesweep before a bombardment, 2 DMS were sunk by PTs at Tanna. That hurt, as there are not many of these for the IJN. I thought they could take on the PTs, but the new US PT boats look very tough on this first meeting.

On the 30th the bombardment goes in and takes out the PTs as well as putting a decent amount of damage on the fields and port. No damage to the BBs, which was the important part.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 26, 42
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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 23
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
35th FG/40th FS with P-39D Airacobra (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 11 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

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Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 17



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 29270.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
35th FG/40th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 74 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 35

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 7


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed


Aircraft Attacking:
32 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet
3 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
35th FG/40th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 23270.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2


No Japanese losses


Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *

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Afternoon Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 10
G4M1 Betty x 21


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
ACM Oak, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Runway hits 1
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 12000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
21 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 29, 42
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Tanna at 120,157, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Saga
DMS W-1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DMS W-4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PT-44
PT-45, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PT-46
PT-47, Shell hits 1
PT-48, Shell hits 2, and is sunk



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 16,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-48 at 6,000 yards
PT-48 engages DMS W-1 at 6,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-45 at 6,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-44 at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
Massive explosion on PT-48
PT-48 engages E Saga at 5,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-47 at 5,000 yards
PT-48 engages DMS W-1 at 5,000 yards
PT-45 engages DMS W-1 at 5,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-44 at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
PT-48 sunk by E Saga at 3,000 yards
DMS W-4 sunk by PT-46 at 3,000 yards
DMS W-1 engages PT-44 at 3,000 yards
DMS W-1 sunk by PT-47 at 3,000 yards
orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
E Saga engages PT-47 at 2,000 yards
PT-45 sunk by E Saga at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
E Saga engages PT-44 at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
E Saga engages PT-47 at 15,000 yards
PT-46 engages E Saga at 15,000 yards
PT-44 engages E Saga at 15,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 30, 42
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Tanna at 120,157, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
BB Hyuga
DD Asashio
DD Natsugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
PT-44
PT-46
PT-47, Shell hits 1, and is sunk




Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 46% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 11,000 yards
BB Fuso fires at PT-47 at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
PT-47 sunk by BB Fuso at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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Night Naval bombardment of Tanna at 120,157

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5A Catalina: 7 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato


Allied ground losses:
301 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 30
Port hits 14
Port supply hits 4

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Hyuga
BB Hyuga firing at Tanna
BB Yamashiro firing at Tanna
BB Fuso firing at Tanna
BB Yamato firing at Tanna
BB Mutsu firing at 221st USN Base Force
BB Nagato firing at Tanna


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Tanna at 120,157, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu
E Kiji

Allied Ships
PT-44
PT-46



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 20,000 yards...
Allied PT Boat TF evades combat


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Tanna at 120,157, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
BB Hyuga
DD Asashio
DD Natsugumo
DD Yamagumo
DD Yudachi
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
PT-44, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-46, Shell hits 1, and is sunk



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 21,000 yards
PT-46 sunk by BB Mutsu at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
DD Yamakaze engages PT-44 at 19,000 yards
PT-44 sunk by DD Asashio at 19,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


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Research: The next Tojo, the IIb moves forward in R n D on the 30th. I will not make this model but will go through the normal research path.

Burma: Cause for celebration on both the 30th and the 31st as two successive pilots breaks out of POW camps and courageously sneak across the front lines to return to their units. Saki toasts all around for the New Year!!! Banzai!

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Pilot Nagano C. is reported as to have escaped capture
Pilot Obayashi V. is reported as to have escaped capture[/font]

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DMS W-1 goes down fighting PTs at Tanna. Many other members of this class will be heading to ports around the Empire to change into Es in the new year. They are more valuable as escorts due to their speed, and some of the more expendable PBs will be converted to AMc.

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[Chickenboy]

Hiya obvert,

Haven't been a regular reader of your AAR yet, but hope you don't mind if I hitch along for the ride for a while, even if I'm late to the party?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Hiya obvert,

Haven't been a regular reader of your AAR yet, but hope you don't mind if I hitch along for the ride for a while, even if I'm late to the party?

Welcome! Great to see you here.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]1-5 January 1943[/font]
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subs: Another sub takes a pounding. It didn't sink yet though!

An ASW TF DD is hit by S-30. That sucks. It should make it back to Tulagi, surprisingly. E Kiji fights back and takes her down in the open ocean, forcing the sub to surface and gunning her down! Banzai!

On the 2nd I-18 is hit by the Allied DC team. She should make it back for repairs.

An ASW PB near Shanghai is hit by Tambor with new improved torps and yet it should make it to a Saishu To port to get repaired.

xAK Seizan Maru is hit at Wake bringing in a Recon Rgt to help the garrison here. It has been disbanded and will repair for many days now before heading out to Yokohama.

I-20 is hit trying to deliver a midget sub to Suva, but is not badly damaged. The midget simply disappeared and is not listed on the sunk reports! Interesting. Maybe it's still there weaving through the mines stalking the Yorktown.

Later in the day the I-20 is hit harder and should be in sinking condition by tomorrow. That is not great. I may cancel other midgets on the way until things cool down here.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 01, 43
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ASW attack near Tofua at 139,166

Japanese Ships
SS I-30, hits 13

Allied Ships
APD Gregory
APD Little
APD Bulmer
APD Barker
APD Sands
APD Brooks
APD Stringham
APD McKean


SS I-30 launches 2 torpedoes at APD Gregory
APD Sands attacking submerged sub ....
APD Brooks fails to find sub and abandons search
APD Stringham attacking submerged sub ....
APD McKean attacking submerged sub ....
APD McKean is out of ASW ammo

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Sub attack near Torres Islands at 117,146

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
E Kiji

Allied Ships
SS S-30



SS S-30 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Hatsuharu
S-30 diving deep ....
E Kiji attacking submerged sub ....
E Kiji fails to find sub, continues to search...
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Submarine attack near Torres Islands at 117,146

Japanese Ships
E Kiji

Allied Ships
SS S-30, hits 14, and is sunk

SS S-30 is located by E Kiji
E Kiji fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Kiji fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Kiji fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Kiji attacking submerged sub ....
SS S-30 forced to surface!
E Kiji firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 02, 43
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ASW attack near Suva at 131,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-18, hits 3

Allied Ships
DD Aaron Ward
DD Hammann
DD Sims



SS I-18 is sighted by escort
I-18 diving deep ....
DD Hammann attacking submerged sub ....
DD Sims fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Saishu To at 99,56

Japanese Ships
PB Naruto Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC Ch 39
PB Shinkyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tambor



SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes at PB Naruto Maru #3
Tambor diving deep ....
PB Shinkyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinkyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinkyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinkyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shinkyo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 03, 43
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Sub attack near Wake Island at 136,98

Japanese Ships
xAK Seizan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC CHa-9

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

SS Gunnel launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Seizan Maru
Gunnel bottoming out ....
SC CHa-9 fails to find sub, continues to search...


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 04, 43
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ASW attack near Nadi at 130,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-20, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Sims
DD Aaron Ward
DD Hammann



SS I-20 is located by DD Sims
I-20 diving deep ....
DD Hammann fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sims fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sims fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sims fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sims fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sims attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-20 eludes DD Sims by diving deep
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Jolo at 73,94

Japanese Ships
xAK Tohuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Zyunyo Maru
xAK Konzan Maru
xAK Hokumai Maru
xAK Kinkai Maru
xAK Thames Maru
PB Tama Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish

SS Spearfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Tohuku Maru
Spearfish diving deep ....
PB Tama Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tama Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...

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Submarine attack near Jolo at 73,94

Japanese Ships
xAK Tohuku Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

xAK Tohuku Maru is sighted by SS Tarpon
SS Tarpon attacking on the surface

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ASW attack near Suva at 131,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-20, hits 14, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Encounter
DD Nepal
DD Foxhound

SS I-20 is located by DD Encounter
DD Nepal fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foxhound attacking submerged sub ....
DD Foxhound loses contact with SS I-20
DD Nepal fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Foxhound fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foxhound fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foxhound fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Foxhound attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-20 eludes ASW attack from DD Foxhound
DD Foxhound is out of ASW ammo
DD Foxhound is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub

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So Pac: I've been thinking about the situation in the South Pacific. I had been planning to land at Tanna in the next few months, but I'm wondering if this is beneficial or possibly even a choice favoring Jocke at this point. This base is just far enough away from Fiji and just close enough to bases I can use that it could be a good place to whittle the Allied forces down. Also, if he owns this base he may be more likely to move against me slowly up the New Hebrides and over to New Caledonia. This is preferable to a move into the Solomons. As long as I can hold the bases I have there until later in 43 it could slow the Allied push North.

Let me know what you think.

Luganville gets pummeled in the only air action here right now. Some ships appear to be moving into the Tanna area. I'll not go for these right now.

Burma: Nothing going on. The oil is climbing up to 34 now at Magwe. I wonder if he's noticed yet? [;)]
The Tojos are ready!

New Ships: Several new ships are arriving in the early days of the new year. This will free up lots of shipyard points to build the Standard AKs that I stopped which can convert to TKs. Also the subs will make way for the new subs I've stopped to restart.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]SS I-177 arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
SS RO-100 arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
TK Amato Maru arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
TK Kanto Maru arrives at Takao
TK Takane Maru arrives at Maizuru[/font]

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Sunk ships reports: Interesting news. The Quincy looks like it actually might be an accurate report. The San Juan only took one torp so I had assumed it had made it.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 01, 43
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Previous report of sinking of CLAA San Juan incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
Loss of AKE Mansyu Maru on Nov 04, 1942 is admitted
CA Quincy is reported to have been sunk near Nadi on Nov 20, 1942
SS S-30 is reported to have been sunk near Torres Islands on Jan 01, 1943

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 03, 43
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APD Whipple is reported to have been sunk near Newcastle on May 04, 1942

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 04, 43
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Loss of xAK Tohuku Maru on Jan 04, 1943 is admitted

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 05, 43
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Loss of SS I-20 on Jan 05, 1943 is admitted
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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Naval Search[/font]
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I recently discovered the map function in tracker showing search arcs. I like the large map and being able to see where the holes are in the search.

Currently I've got a vast area around the Marshalls that has no search. I've just been moving Jakes into the area.

It's not hard to tell where the KB is no this map!

Some areas are covered that appear blank here, but are only flown by ASW search.

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I need an AV just about 22 hexes NW of Midway. I'll name that TF Greyjoy!

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]ASW Search[/font]
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For the ASW you can see the emphasis around the HI and down the coast of China into the DEI. That has been my major route for tankers. These will change soon as i spread more ASW air groups into the PI and the Pacific and use more space to try and get away from the subs. I'm also considering using much larger TFs and concentrating the best ASW ships in them with AVs embedded as well.

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]6-10 January 1943[/font]
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subs: The mini just released by the now badly damaged I-20 hits a mine in Suva harbor and sinks. So much for that idea. To compound the futility of the mission, S-33 puts a fish in I-20 to finish her off.

On the 8th TK Chiyoda Maru is hit by the Spearfish near Tarakan and goes down burning. The Blackfish takes two solid hits from E Sagi.

On the 9th RO-66 spots POW in the South Seas and takes moderate damage from her escorts.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 06, 43
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TF 26 encounters mine field at Suva (132,160)

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-17, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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Sub vs Sub: SS S-33 attacking SS I-20 at 129,159 - near Nadi

Japanese Ships
SS I-20, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-33

SS S-33 launches 2 torpedoes at 3,000 yards

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 08, 43
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Sub attack near Tawau at 69,91

Japanese Ships
TK Chiyoda Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Tokati Maru

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish

SS Spearfish launches 4 torpedoes at TK Chiyoda Maru
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...


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Sub attack near Hengchun at 85,68

Japanese Ships
E Sagi
TK Rikko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Blackfish, hits 4

SS Blackfish launches 2 torpedoes at E Sagi
E Sagi attacking submerged sub ....

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 09, 43
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Sub attack near Kabara at 135,164

Japanese Ships
SS RO-66, hits 7

Allied Ships
DD Downes
BB Prince of Wales
DD Walke
DD Buchanan
DD Clark
DD Balch
DD Porter



SS RO-66 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Downes
DD Clark attacking submerged sub ....
DD Balch fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Porter fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

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[/font]

So Pac: The DMS sent in to clear Tanna on the 6th don't get much work done before getting shelled by Marine 155mm guns. Both should make it back to port.

On the 7th CL Columbia and DDs show up to prevent any further incursions. Kates try to hit them but have no luck with bombs.

On the 10th interesting news shows up in the OP report. I've been assuming Yorktown to be active based on only two bomb hits (with an AMMO explosion). This message of her being sunk is good news, but I still won't assume it's correct just yet.

Also on the 10th I noticed a lot of fighters in Tanna all of a sudden and brought everything I had in range to sweep. This was two A6M3a groups from Ndeni and Tojos from Koumac. The results were great considering these were his veteran defensive pilots. After getting 2 to 1 with the zeros the Tojos just ate up the P-39s. On the day he lost 40 P-39s to 12 A6M3a and 2 Tojo. Banzai!

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 06, 43
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TF 284 encounters mine field at Tanna (120,157) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-17, Shell hits 1, on fire
DMS W-14, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

DMS W-17 firing at 221st USN Base Force
221st USN Base Force firing at DMS W-17
221st USN Base Force firing at DMS W-14
DMS W-14 firing at 221st USN Base Force
6 mines cleared

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 07, 43
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Tanna at 120,157

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
B5N2 Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Waller
CL Columbia

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 10, 43
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CV Yorktown is reported to have been sunk near Yasawa Islands on Nov 18, 1942

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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 39



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 75


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 6 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 5 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 32100.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
347th FG/67th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 5 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 32100.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 5 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 32100.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 17



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 46


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 6 destroyed



CAP engaged:
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 32470.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
347th FG/339th FS with P-39D Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 32470.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
347th FG/67th FS with P-39D Airacobra (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 37



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 24


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 5 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
33 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
347th FG/339th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
347th FG/67th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 32100.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 162 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *
2 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
347th FG/339th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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Cent Pac: I've decided to tempt fate and send a raiding TF to the area East of PH and move it to the South. I'll use CVs Akagi and Hiryu with a surface TF and 3 oilers. I've been getting reports that PH and many West Coast ports are nearly devoid of fighters, or any aircraft. To find out if these reports are correct I've loaded a Judy recon group onto the Akagi and will scout the areas from a distance before raiding anything on land.

The two CVs are moving to Kwajalein and then to the North before swinging East above Midway. They should be able to reach the open Pacific undetected, but we'll see if that is true in a few weeks.

Burma: Jocke was definitely paying attention to the oil, but this raid on the 6th cost him dearly. At the end of the day 76 planes were reported shot down for only the loss of 7 Tojos and 4 Oscars. All but 4 of our pilots survived.

After several frustrating defensive stands here where the fighters would chew away at the escorts endlessly but never reach the bombers, today we got through. A good number of Wellingtons and some 4E were shot down in addition to the 45-50 P-40Es lost. While this airframe is obsolete, the pilots in them are not and that is a lot of pilots probably lost over enemy territory.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 06, 43
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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 15
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 89

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 80
Wellington Ic x 44
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-26 Marauder x 48
P-40E Warhawk x 54


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
Wellington Ic: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 13 destroyed

Oil hits 146

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 70


Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 25


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 9 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Oil hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
64th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 77 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers

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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 51

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 12 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 10, 43
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[font="Trebuchet MS"]Pilot Fujimoto U. is reported as to have escaped capture[/font][/font]

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[color=#9900000][font="Trebuchet MS"]OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 09, 43

BB Musashi arrives at Tokyo[/color][/font]

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[GreyJoy]

Love this AAR Obvert!
 
Nice hit in Burma...i'd say he has lost at least 20 precious fighter pilots in those two raids....the allies, once they start to attack, are very short on pilots...but they are especially short on airframes. Keep on hitting them playing defensively...he cannot sustain those losses for more than a week or he'd dry his a/c pools!

[ny59giants]

As long as he is willing to send aircraft to Tanna and you keep getting these results, don't take it back. You need someplace to bleed the Americans and this seems to be a good choice. [:)]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Love this AAR Obvert!

Nice hit in Burma...i'd say he has lost at least 20 precious fighter pilots in those two raids....the allies, once they start to attack, are very short on pilots...but they are especially short on airframes. Keep on hitting them playing defensively...he cannot sustain those losses for more than a week or he'd dry his a/c pools!

Thanks GJ.

Exactly. I hope he lost even more than 20!

He's very selective about these raids. This one was spurred on by me rebuilding about 15 oil points in Magwe. Those produced for about a month before he hit the base again. It's down to 23 producing oil points now. So those planes and pilots I knocked off cost me about 15k supplies. For now I won't build anymore, but hopefully he'l come and try to finish it off.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

As long as he is willing to send aircraft to Tanna and you keep getting these results, don't take it back. You need someplace to bleed the Americans and this seems to be a good choice. [:)]

I'm definitely feeling that way now as well. He's just put some more units in there and I think with it's proximity to Suva it'll be his staging ground for further invasions. I'm gong to throw a brigade into Luganville, even though this won't last long once he does go for it. I just want any invasion to have to be large and well planned. I'll also solidify Efate and keep some strength at Anatom.

Once he gets the LSTs down here it'll be hard to stop him moving forward island hopping. I'll have to keep some surface elements close by. The G3M3s will hit Tanna but haven't scored yet. Anything to the North of that and they might do good work though, especially if I can keep the fighters suppressed on Tanna. I can also escort from Ndeni and he has yet to strike that base with 4Es. I'd like to keep Tanna to no more than fields level 4 but that will be tough.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]11-15 January 1943[/font]
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We're playing a lot of turns as we're both on vacation now. Its fun and it's moving us forward quickly.

subs: The sub scene calmed down after a hair-raising start to the new year. No Allied successes these five days. Some of the new improved Kageros headed out to ASW duty near the HI and couldn't locate any subs yet. The air ASW is finding them, but only a few attacks report hits.

On the 12th near Sydney the I-12 hits an AM, taking her out. Not sure why 4 torps were warranted for this target, but at least it's a hit.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 11, 43
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Sub attack near Newcastle at 94,169

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, hits 2

Allied Ships
AM Castlemaine, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AM Gladstone

SS I-28 launches 4 torpedoes at AM Castlemaine
AM Gladstone fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Gladstone attacking submerged sub ....

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So Pac: More sweeps at Tanna. Hes replaced the P-39s with Lightnings and Wildcats. That hurt a bit but was to be expected. Better that he's still fighting for it.

Quite a few ships are in the area and some show as APs. I'll bring the KB down for a closer look to see if anything stays in the port.

Liberators visited Koumac at last. They came from OZ. I think this means he's serious now about shutting down our array of level 2 airfields in the area. The Nicks were waiting though and did good work, knocking down 5 B-24s by the end of it.

On the 12th Tojos go in and do much better. In fact they come out ahead of the P-38s. Not bad. Zeros from the KB follow up and take out 5 more Wildcats for 3 losses.

On the 13th all ships dispersed back to Suva and to the South presumably. None were in range of the KB. Sweeps hit empty fields as Tanna was vacated as well.

On the 15th Nells go in and hit Tanna for only 6 hits, which look to have been repaired by morning. Ahh, US engineers.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 11, 43
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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


CAP engaged:
VMF-123 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 12, 43
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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 35

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
VMF-123 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Koumac , at 113,156

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 49


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 91 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8



Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed


CAP engaged:
VMF-123 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VMF-441 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 15, 43
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Afternoon Air attack on Tanna , at 120,157

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 93 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 22

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
12 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

Burma: Nothing happening in Burma. I keep reconning jungle hexes to see if anything is moving our way.

Reinforcements: A plethora of base forces and other useful items arrived on the 14th en masse. Most are on Hokkaido and I changed the HQ on several to place them on Shikuka and some of the unoccupied Kuriles. It's looking pretty solid up here for now.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Jan 15, 43
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AMc Wa 8 arrives at Tokyo
E W-24 arrives at Tokyo
CM Yurijima arrives at Tokyo
SC CHa-50 arrives at Ominato
Endo Det arrives at Nagoya
108th Sentai arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
90th I.F.Chutai arrives at Tokyo
1st Air Division arrives at Sapporo
19th JAAF Base Force arrives at Naha
20th JAAF Base Force arrives at Sapporo
21st JAAF Base Force arrives at Hirosaki/Aomori
1st JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
49th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
55th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
63rd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
73rd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
77th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
83rd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
177th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo
178th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo[/font]

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About 35 DDs are in refit as well as the DMS ships which are being changed to Es. I decided to go ahead and change them all. After the experience at Tanna I realize it might be better to let small worthless AMc do most of the minesweeping and let these fast ships with improved ASW function as escorts.

I'm not pleased at most of the changes to the Fubikis. More AA and better DCs but neutered main guns and reduced range.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

About 35 DDs are in refit as well as the DMS ships which are being changed to Es. I decided to go ahead and change them all. After the experience at Tanna I realize it might be better to let small worthless AMc do most of the minesweeping and let these fast ships with improved ASW function as escorts.

I wasn't impressed with the ASW performance of the converted DMS's. Since I like to bombard, I think I'd prefer to leave them as minesweepers to neutralize enemy mine concentrations. Hopefully, their ASW capability will perform better for you, than they have for me.

[PaxMondo]

+1
 
I also tend to keep most of these handy as DMS for bombardment escorts ... get plenty of SC and E's by mid-43.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

About 35 DDs are in refit as well as the DMS ships which are being changed to Es. I decided to go ahead and change them all. After the experience at Tanna I realize it might be better to let small worthless AMc do most of the minesweeping and let these fast ships with improved ASW function as escorts.

I wasn't impressed with the ASW performance of the converted DMS's. Since I like to bombard, I think I'd prefer to leave them as minesweepers to neutralize enemy mine concentrations. Hopefully, their ASW capability will perform better for you, than they have for me.

My issue is that when they go in to minesweep anything I really want to bombard, he's going to have a Marine defense unit or some other CD gun unit that will shred them before they can do their job. The two times I tried it were utter failures. I know that's a poor sample to make a choice on but it's all I had at the time.

I'll keep a few around just to try again, but 2/3 are already in the conversion process.

[PaxMondo]

So when you put DMS into the bombardment TF, the DMS don't clear the mines for you and allow the BB/CA's to bombard?  [&:]
 
Should work .... I haven't done it in a while though, so maybe something in a patch changed?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

So when you put DMS into the bombardment TF, the DMS don't clear the mines for you and allow the BB/CA's to bombard?  [&:]

Should work .... I haven't done it in a while though, so maybe something in a patch changed?

Ahh. I tried it with the DMS on their own. I'll try that with the ones I have left. I just thought that would slow down the whole TF and make it more vulnerable, since there is a big gap in speed even from the 25 knot BBs to the 19 knot DMS.

Learning new things every day.